The three men accused of unlawfully killing the ten victims of the Haut du Mont explosion by gross negligence manslaughter have chosen not to give evidence.
Neil Armstrong (58), John Wright (60) and Lee Ward (59) are on trial over their alleged role in the fatal blast on 10 December 2022.
The prosecution case against the three defendants, who worked together on the Island Energy network operations team, concluded on Monday.
A total of 24 witnesses appeared at the Royal Court to give live evidence, including several members of the gas company’s senior management team.
Jo Cox, the Island Energy chief executive at the time of the explosion, was not called to give evidence about her role in the explosion on 10 December 2022.
It was heard yesterday that neither Mr Armstrong, Mr Wright nor Mr Ward will take to the stand to give evidence as the defence case gets under way.
Jurors were further told that the three defence advocates representing the defendants will not be calling “any other evidence” as part of their respective cases.
“It is likely, therefore, that you will be retiring to consider your verdict sometime next week”
Commissioner andrew oldland
As a result of the three Island Energy workers not taking the stand, the length of the trial – which was originally slated to last two months – has been shortened.
Commissioner Andrew Oldland, presiding, told the jury: “That has a significant impact on the timescale of this trial.
“It is likely, therefore, that you will be retiring to consider your verdict sometime next week.”
The trial continues.
